Effect of Crop Geometry and Nitrogen Levels on Quality of Baby Corn (Zea Mays L.) as Fodder

A field experiment was conducted to observe quality of baby corn in split plot design with six treatments of crop geometry viz. 40 cm × 15 cm, 40 cm × 20 cm, 50 cm × 15 cm, 50 cm × 20 cm, 60 cm × 15 cm and 60 cm × 20 cm in main plots and four levels of nitrogen (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha⁻¹) in sub plots with four replications. Crop geometry of 60 cm × 20 cm recorded higher crude protein (CP) content of baby corn, fodder, cob husk and tassel as well as acid detergent fibre (ADF) of baby corn fodder as compared to all other crop geometry treatments. However, no significant effect was recorded on ether extract (EE), ash and organic matter (OM) content of baby corn, fodder, cob husk and tassel and on acid detergent fibre (ADF) content of cob husk and tassel. Similarly, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and hemicellulose content of fodder was also not affected by crop geometry. Dry matter (DM) content and nitrogen uptake were highest in 50 cm × 15 cm crop geometry. Application of nitrogen at higher levels resulted in significant increase in content of CP, EE, ash as well as in nitrogen uptake by the plant. However organic matter, ADF, NDF, hemicellulose and dry matter content of baby corn, fodder, cob husk and tassel were decreased with increase in level of nitrogen application.